PORTBLAIR – Veritable Garden of Eden

Port Blair is the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, situated in the Bay of Bengal. The Island inhibits people from all across India and one could imagine it to be the mini- India with no conflict with regards to religion and region. If you plan a week’s trip, then surely you are going to cover all the places which need to be visited. Even you have the option of visiting the nearby places such as Wandoor, Ross Island etc. It is the headquarters for the Indian district of the South Andaman and the local administrative sub-division which is referred to as Portblair.

How to reach Portblair?

Walking is one of the best options but you need to be careful because due to the steep hills you could miss the track. So it is advisable that you should keep track of the landmarks. The auto rickshaws are going to charge you quite high if you are not aware about the route on which you need to travel. It is advisable that you should be cautious about your route.

Via Air

Helicopters use to run via inter island through the airport terminal. There are scheduled services to Neil, Havelock, Carnicobar, Campbell bay and Hutbay.Pawan Hans helicopter limited is operating its fleet of 3 Dauphin helicopters from Portblair under the Andaman & Nicobar Islands administration. But for that you need to book the tickets in advance for your comfortable journey.

Via Sea

There are two options of Jetty’s in Port Blair. Phoenix Bay jetty from where can go to Havelock, Neil Island and some far off destinations. Rajiv Gandhi water sports complex to take some ferries which are smaller to Ross Island, Viper Island and North Bay. You are requested to get your bookings done from to and fro in advance itself, else there are chances that you could get stranded at the place where you have reached. Recently one of the private operators has started fast catamaran day ferry M.V Makruzz, it starts from Portblair to Havelock.

Via Taxi/Car

Buses do get connected to different cities and other points on the Grand Andaman, including Rangat, Digilpur and Baratang Island. For seeking the deluxe bus tickets you should go to the little arena atmosphere of the shops across the road from the of bus stand. If you are planning to move ahead of Rangat then you could find the road to be bumpy due to which it is recommended that don’t get the number greater than 20.

Top 10 places to visit in Portblair

Cellular Jail

Andaman in Rs 20 currency note

Corbyn’s cove

Mini Zoo

Japanese bunker

CARI( Central Agricultural Research Institute)

Anthropological Museum

Chatam Saw Mill

Samundrika Naval Museum

Ross Island

Where to Eat and Stay?

Aberdeen Bazar –its landmark is the clock tower which is the good place for the lodging and accommodation along with wonderful food. There are quite a few restaurants which are present around this location. Some of them which could be mentioned are-Ananda Restaurant, Lighthouse Residency, New India Cafe, Gagan Restaurant, Blue Sea Hotel, Swastik restaurant, Ananda Restaurant, TSG Emerald view etc.With respect to drink coconut water is available at every point.

You should pay thanks to the early morning scheduling of the most of the flights and the ferries from Portblair due to which many of the hotels are having their checkout time policy at 8AM. The best part of it is that you don’t have to face any kind of problem to check in during the early duration. Some of the best location for the stays are as under- Megapode Camping Resort which is owned by ANIIDCO, Holiday resort,City King Palace etc.